Premier, MP meet with council to discuss shipyard, local issues

The mayor and council met with Premier Dwight Ball, Bonavista-Burin-Trinity MP Churence Rogers, and members of the Burin Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Jan. 22 to discuss a variety of issues concerning the town.

“The premier reiterated his commitment for the project, and the province’s commitment for the project both morally and financially,” said Synard.

In November, the provincial Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment informed Grieg NL Nurseries Ltd. and Grieg NL Seafarms Ltd. that an environmental impact statement (EIS) would be required for the proposed project.

Details of the proposal, and the environmental assessment process are available on the government’s website: http://www.mae.gov.nl.ca/env_assessment/projects/Y2016/1834/

The public has until Feb. 11 to comment on the proposal.

Should the project get the green light, Synard said it would mean good things for the region.

“That could be a real game changer for us economically here on the Burin Peninsula,” he said.

Other topics of discussion during the meeting with Ball and Rogers included the proposed sale of the Marystown Shipyard to Paul Antle, owner of Newdock Shipyard in St. John’s.

Synard said both the premier and MP also support the sale of the facility, currently owned by Peter Kiewit and Sons.

Antle signed an agreement in principle earlier this month with Kiewit to purchase the Marystown shipyard. The agreement is subject to a number of conditions; under the agreement Antle has a 60-day due diligence period to look into the facility and voice any concerns.

Synard is optimistic about federal and provincial government support for the project.

“They’ll do whatever they can to support Mr. purchasing the shipyard in Marystown and getting it back into operation,” said Synard.